Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe

Name: Banana Bread with Applesauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup applesauce; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon baking soda; Pinch of salt; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Home Baking Inspiration

I love making banana bread with applesauce because it adds a lovely moisture while reducing the amount of fat needed. The sweet, soft texture is simply irresistible and perfect for breakfast or a snack. It's an easy recipe that my family enjoys, especially when topped with a bit of butter or cream cheese. I often make a double batch to have some on hand for last-minute guests or for packing in lunch boxes. Trust me, once you try this version, you may never go back to the traditional recipe!

Created by

Rebecca Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:21:34.364Z

When I first decided to experiment with applesauce in my banana bread, I was amazed by the results. Instead of the dense texture I was used to, my bread turned out light and fluffy, with a delightful hint of sweetness. Each slice had the perfect balance of banana flavor complemented by the subtle richness of the applesauce.

I also discovered that the baking time remained consistent, but I monitored it closely to ensure the bread was cooked through without over-baking. The still-warm loaf, sliced and slathered with butter, was a real treat!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and flavorful due to the unique addition of applesauce
Easy to make and perfect for using overripe bananas
Great for breakfast or as a snack, loved by both kids and adults

      

Understanding the Role of Applesauce

Using applesauce in this banana bread recipe is a brilliant way to enhance moisture without the need for excess fats. Applesauce acts as a natural binding agent while contributing a subtle sweetness that complements the ripe bananas. This not only makes the bread tender but also creates a delightful texture that stays fresh longer compared to traditional recipes that rely heavily on butter or oil for moisture.

When using applesauce, it's essential to choose unsweetened for a more balanced flavor profile. If you can only find sweetened varieties, consider reducing the sugar in the recipe to prevent the bread from becoming overly sweet. This adjustment allows you to enjoy the flavors of the banana and a hint of tartness from the applesauce.

Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

Overripe bananas are key to achieving that rich banana flavor and soft texture in your bread. As they ripen, their natural sugars develop, enhancing the sweetness and depth of flavor. If you have bananas that are still yellow, store them in a paper bag to speed up the ripening process—this method can cut down the ripening time significantly, sometimes to just a day or two.

A common mistake when baking banana bread is mixing the batter too much after adding the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined for a tender loaf. If you notice your bread is turning out dense, it's likely due to overmixing. Always aim for a few lumps for that ideal texture!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

After cooling, wrap the banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can stay at room temperature for up to three days, or you can extend its life by refrigerating it for a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices in freezer bags. This way, you have convenient, quick snacks or breakfasts on hand—just pop a slice in the toaster for a warm treat.

Banana bread is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. While it’s delicious on its own, try adding a spread of almond butter or cream cheese for extra flavor. If you're in the mood for a dessert, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started on your delicious banana bread with applesauce.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup applesauce
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Once you have your ingredients ready, you can start making the banana bread.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect banana bread with applesauce.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, applesauce, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

Combine Both Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, slice the banana bread and serve with your favorite spread or enjoy it plain!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this banana bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This ensures a similar texture without compromising the taste. It's vital, however, to check the blend contains xanthan gum, a common ingredient that helps to bind the dough and provide structure.

For those avoiding eggs, consider using a flaxseed meal or chia seed replacement. Combine one tablespoon of either with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, and use it as you would for the egg in this recipe. This swap maintains moisture while keeping the loaf cohesive.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your banana bread comes out too dense or gummy, this is often the result of overmixing the batter. Remember, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Additionally, make sure your bananas are very ripe, as under-mature bananas can contribute to a more starchy texture.

Another common issue is uneven baking, often due to the oven temperature. If the outside of your bread is browning too quickly while the inside remains uncooked, try lowering the oven temperature by 25°F and extending the baking time. Since all ovens vary, keep an eye on the bread; look for a golden crust and use a toothpick inserted in the center to check for doneness.

Variations to Try

You can customize this banana bread by adding in other mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins. About 1/2 to 1 cup mixed in either before pouring the batter into the pan or gently folded in just after combining the wet and dry ingredients adds variety without altering the moisture balance significantly.

For a spiced variation, consider incorporating ground cinnamon or nutmeg into your dry ingredients. About 1 teaspoon of cinnamon will elevate the flavor profile and give your banana bread a cozy, comforting aroma that’s perfect for any occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, thaw the frozen bananas before mashing them and proceed with the recipe as usual.

→ How do I store leftover banana bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze banana bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Is it possible to reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to half without drastically affecting the texture or taste.